Fraudster electricians con elderly man out of £2,000

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man took money for work that was not done in Sunderland.

On Tuesday, March 18, police received a report of a possible fraud, which it’s believed took place at Britannia Terrace in Fencehouses between 11am on Saturday, March 8, and 10am on Wednesday, March 12.

Two men attended the address of the victim - an elderly man - to carry out electrical work. They accepted money for materials and returned over several days for more payments, but no work was carried out. The fraud amounts to around £2,000.

The two men are described as white, aged about 30 years old, 6ft tall and well built. They had dark brown hair and were wearing overalls. They were driving a plain white van.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch with them.

They are also reminding residents to be cautious if anyone cold calls at their address and never to simply hand over cash to people who offer work at the doorstep without making checks first.

Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Musgrove said: “A genuine company or organisation will be more than happy for a resident to check out their credentials and identity, while leaving them outside, or return when the householder has someone with them. Anyone with suspicions should always alert police.

“We want to reassure people that every incident involving an illegal trader, bogus caller or fraudulent work reported to police is investigated.

“I’d also ask people to look out for elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours and encourage them to understand the importance of crime prevention.”